Rebels torch cargo truck

BUTUAN CITY – Suspected communist rebels burned a cargo truck loaded with coconuts along the highway in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte on Saturday. 

No one was reported injured, but the incident snarled traffic along the highway for almost 30 minutes.

Truck driver Restituto Ponsardas, 55, said the rebels ordered him and his helpers to alight before they poured gasoline on the truck and torched it. He said they were delivering coconuts to Misamis, Oriental when the rebels asked them to pull over in Barangay Cuyago.

A company that manufactures and processes coconut products reportedly owns the cargo truck.

Pursuit operations for the rebels are ongoing.